The Spanish royal palace has confirmed that former King Juan Carlos will return to Spain this week after nearly two years in exile in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He departed Spain after being tied to a corruption investigation.

However, in March, three investigations against the 84-year-old were dropped, allowing him to return.

The ex-king will arrive in Spain on Thursday before returning to the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

He intends to spend time with his family at Sanxenxo, in northwestern Spain, and to visit his son King Felipe VI in Madrid.

According to the palace statement, the travel is part of his “desire to see his family and friends in Spain on a regular basis” in a “private” environment.

The former king’s homecoming comes after he wrote his son in March, telling him he planned to return to Spain “as soon as possible” once the country’s attorney general’s office dropped its investigation against him.

The Spanish government stated in March that Juan Carlos owed the Spanish people an explanation for his financial issues.

After nearly 40 years in power, Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 and passed control to his son Felipe.

The former king’s return follows a letter to his son in March in which he stated his intention to return to Spain “as soon as possible” if the country’s attorney general’s office terminated its inquiry against him.

In March, the Spanish government declared that Juan Carlos owed an explanation to the Spanish people for his financial problems.

Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 after nearly 40 years in office and handed authority to his son Felipe.